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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
Floor loading means stacking goods directly onto a container or truck floor without pallets, with each unit placed by hand or conveyor to fill the entire volume. The goal is to ship the most units per container - usually 10 - 15% more than palletised loading, because no height or space is lost to pallets.
Floor loading vs palletised loading
| Criterion | Floor loading | Palletised |
|---|---|---|
| Units per container | Highest (fills the cube) | Lower (pallets take space) |
| Load/unload time | Slow, labour-intensive | Fast, uses a forklift |
| Pallet cost | None | Yes |
| Damage risk | Higher if stacked wrong (crushing, floor damp) | Lower, goods kept off the floor |
The role of slip sheets in floor loading
Slip sheets bridge the two methods: goods are still unitised on a thin sheet for fast handling with a push-pull forklift, yet take no extra height like a pallet. So “slip sheet” floor loading keeps near-palletised speed while achieving near hand-stacked cube - which is why many exporters switch to slip sheets instead of pure hand stacking.
Pros and cons of floor loading
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Maximises units, lowers freight per unit | Labour- and time-intensive to load/unload |
| No pallet cost and no fumigation | Hard to unload automatically, easy to mis-stack |
| Good for heavy, uniform, compression-resistant goods | Dent/moisture-prone goods need floor liners and bracing |
Floor-loading best practice
Use a moisture barrier on the floor (kraft paper or film), fill gaps with dunnage bags so the load cannot shift, interlock the stack for stability, and respect carton stacking limits. High-value or fragile goods are usually still better on pallets or slip sheets to isolate them from the floor and water ingress.
When to floor load
Floor loading makes sense when freight is expensive, goods are uniform and stackable, and the extra units justify the handling labour. If you need fast handling at both ends, ship fragile goods, or lack labour, pallets or slip sheets with a push-pull are a more balanced choice.
What ICD offers
ICD supplies slip sheets for fast push-pull floor loading, dunnage bags to fill voids and stop shifting, plus pallets and stretch film - helping you pick the right cube-optimising method for each cargo type.
More on slip sheets
Topic pillar
In-depth analysis articles
| › Slip sheet vs pallet | › Paper vs plastic slip sheet |
| › Slip sheet dimensions | › How to use slip sheets |
| › What is a push-pull attachment? |
Frequently asked questions
What is floor loading?
Stacking goods directly onto a container or truck floor without pallets, filling the cube to ship the most units possible.
How much more can floor loading carry vs pallets?
Usually about 10 - 15% more units, because no height or space is lost to pallets, though it takes more handling labour.
How do slip sheets relate to floor loading?
Slip sheets unitise goods on a thin sheet for fast push-pull handling while adding almost no height, balancing hand stacking and palletising.
What are the drawbacks of floor loading?
It is labour- and time-intensive, hard to automate, and carries higher damage risk if mis-stacked or if the floor is damp.
What should I prepare for floor loading?
A floor moisture barrier, dunnage bags to fill gaps, interlocked stacking for stability, and respect for carton stacking limits.
How does ICD support floor loading?
ICD supplies slip sheets, dunnage bags, pallets and stretch film, and advises on the best cube-optimising method for each cargo type.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
